Make Your Cologne Scent Last All Day Long

There's nothing like a spritz of your favourite cologne to give you a boost of confidence. But what happens when that boost doesn't last as long as you need it to? Here are some tips and tricks to make your cologne last all day.

First, it's important to know the different types of colognes and their concentration and purity levels, as this will give you an idea of how long the scent might last. For example, perfumes have the highest concentration, ensuring the scent will last for around eight hours.

Next, you need to find your pulse points – areas of your body where blood flow is closest to the surface of your skin. These include your wrists, the base of your throat, behind your earlobes, and the creases of your elbows and knees. Applying cologne to these areas will help spread the scent throughout the day.

It's also a good idea to moisturise your skin before applying cologne. Hydrated skin is more likely to soak up your cologne, so apply a body lotion or cream all over your body, paying particular attention to the areas where you plan to spritz.

When it comes to application, less is more. Start with one or two spritzes and build up gradually. You can always add more if needed, but it's much harder to take away once applied.

Finally, make sure you store your cologne properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place, like your bedroom or closet, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the fragrance to deteriorate and become less potent.

Apply to pulse points

Applying cologne to your pulse points is a great way to make your fragrance last longer. Pulse points are areas of your body where blood flow is closest to the surface of your skin, and the heat in these areas will help keep the scent strong throughout the day.

Your pulse points include the wrists, the base of the throat, behind the earlobes, the nape of the neck, the inside of the elbows, the back of the knees, the calves, the ankles, the lower jaw, and the forearms. Spraying your ankles and calves with cologne will also cause the smell to rise.

When applying cologne to your pulse points, hold the nozzle three to six inches away from your skin and spray each area no more than two times, especially if your cologne is of regular intensity. This will ensure that you're not too overpowering when you enter a room.

It's also important not to rub your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can "'bruise the scent', causing it to break down faster.

Layer your fragrances

Layering your fragrances is a great way to make your cologne last longer. This involves using other scented products with the same or complementary scents. Many fragrance companies offer complementary products for their colognes, such as body washes, deodorants, and body creams. By using these products together, you can strengthen the fragrance of your cologne and make it last longer.

• Choose complementary scents: When layering fragrances, it's important to choose scents that complement each other. You can opt for products from the same brand or fragrance family, or experiment with different fragrances that blend well together.
• Start with the strongest scent: When layering multiple fragrances, always apply the strongest, most potent fragrance first. This will serve as the base for your custom scent. Follow it with a milder fragrance to create a unique, personalized aroma.
• Pay attention to concentration levels: Different types of colognes have varying concentration levels, which affect their longevity. Perfumes, for example, have a higher concentration and can last up to 8 hours. Understanding these concentration levels can help you create a long-lasting layered fragrance.
• Apply to pulse points: Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body, including the wrists, neck, inside of elbows, and behind the knees. Applying your fragrances to these areas will help amplify the scent and make it last longer.
• Moisturize your skin: Hydrated skin retains scent better than dry skin. Applying an unscented or complementary-scented moisturizer before layering your fragrances can help create a smooth base and enhance their longevity.
• Reapply when needed: Even with layering, you may still need to reapply your cologne throughout the day. Carry a travel-sized bottle or cotton swabs dipped in your cologne for touch-ups on the go.

Moisturise your skin first

Moisturising your skin before applying cologne is a great way to ensure the scent lasts all day. Hydrated skin is more likely to absorb your cologne than dry skin, so it's a good idea to apply a body lotion or cream all over your body before spritzing on your fragrance.

If you don't want to alter the scent of your cologne, be sure to choose an unscented moisturiser. You can also opt for a matching moisturiser or body lotion from the same brand as your cologne to ensure a harmonious scent.

Because hydrated skin holds onto fragrance better than dry skin, you won't need to reapply your cologne as often.

An extra tip is to apply petroleum jelly to your pulse points before applying cologne. This will help ensure that you have an additional barrier between your skin and the cologne, preventing complete absorption, so the scent will last much longer.

Spritz your hair

Hair is an excellent carrier of perfume and cologne. It creates a beautiful sillage, or scented trail, left by the wearer. Spritzing your hair is a great way to boost your cologne's staying power because hair is more porous than skin and holds onto scent for longer.

However, cologne often contains alcohol, which can dissolve the oils in the protective hydrolipidic film on your hair, drying it out. If you have concerns about this, you can try one of the following methods:

• Spray your cologne into the air and walk through it. This will leave a soft and subtle scent on your hair without saturating it.
• Spray your cologne onto a brush or comb and run it through your hair. Avoid brushing too close to your roots and concentrate on evenly distributing the scent throughout the length.
• Try a hair mist. These are formulated with a lower concentration of alcohol than colognes and perfumes, so they are less likely to damage your hair.

If you are happy to spritz your cologne directly onto your hair, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid spraying near any heat sources, as the alcohol in the cologne could cause a fire. Secondly, be sure to avoid spraying your scalp, as this may cause dandruff and itching. Finally, if you have dry hair, you may prefer to avoid cologne altogether, as the alcohol may dry it out further.

Reapply when necessary

Reapplication is sometimes necessary, depending on the weather or your activities. If your cologne fades, refresh the fragrance by applying to your pulse points.

It's not always practical to carry a full-size bottle of cologne around with you all day, but many fragrance companies make smaller, travel-friendly bottles that you can easily toss in your pocket or bag. Alternatively, spray your cologne onto cotton swabs and put them in a plastic sandwich bag to ensure the moisture doesn't escape.

If you don't have access to a small bottle or cotton swabs, you can also use a comb or hairbrush. Spray your comb or brush with cologne before running it through your hair for a subtle addition to your fragrance.

Frequently asked questions